Despite typical British weather often hindering planned BBQs and time spent outside in our gardens, as Brits we always remain optimistic. With hopes of a gorgeous summer and plenty of outdoor socialising, we turn our attention to designing our garden patios to create a stunning outdoor space.
At Fletchamoore, we have been working with homeowners across Dorset to design their dream patio for over 60 years. During this time, we have picked up a few tips to ensure we help you design your dream patio and outdoor space to help you along the way.
Planning Your Patio Design
As with anything, planning your patio is the first step and one that should not be missed.
The planning process will help you ensure that the patio area blends in seamlessly with the rest of your garden and home’s exterior, after all, you want something that complements each other not detracts.
The first steps will be to assess the space you will be working with, measure it up, and work out access points, and sunny and shady patches in the area.
Start thinking about how you will use this space, do you plan to host outdoor dinners and BBQs, do you want to use it to lounge in the sun, or will you be doing some gardening here?
With a purpose in mind and an understanding of the area you are working with, you can then start putting together a budget too.
All of these considerations will likely help determine the type of patio you choose, be it traditional tiles or a resin-bound patio.
Choosing Materials for Your Patio
From here, you can start looking into different paving materials to create a look and feel for your area. Be sure to research each type of patio because they will have individual advantages and considerations!
Porcelain Paving
Slightly different to the porcelain china your grandma has in the cupboard, porcelain paving creates a stunning patio.
Whether you are looking for a vintage look or something a bit modern, these patio tiles come in a variety of finishes and shades, meaning you can create a pattern or look to match your garden and home.
Moreover, these tiles are incredibly hardy, as they are scratchproof, water resistant, stain resistant and fade resistant so will look their best for a long time to come.
Natural Stone Paving
Natural stone has been used in construction for as long as humans have existed, so it makes sense that it is an option for your new patio.
This paving stone is incredibly strong and durable being able to withstand rough weather and high-traffic footfall with ease.
Moreover, it is a sustainable material as it is formed by nature, meaning your patio project will have a low environmental impact.
Finally, the natural texture and colours bring a luxurious feel to your patio, adding sophistication to your back garden.
Brick Paving
Your final option is brick paving, which can create a classic look to match any house and garden.
Similar to the above materials, block paving can be incredibly strong and durable and is slip-resistant, so you can be confident of your steps when walking on it.
It is worth noting that each of these materials is low-maintenance, meaning that you won’t have to worry about having to put a lot of effort into keeping your new patio looking brand new.
Of course, you don’t have to choose one material and could choose to combine different materials to create a unique look for your garden. Maybe using porcelain or natural stone paving, with brick edging?
Design Tips and Inspiration
As you look through the options for materials, you will probably want to look at some trends and patterns to get some inspiration.
We have noticed that rustic, modern and Mediterranean seem to be popular styles for garden patios.
Modern
Your modern patio is characterised by:
- Clean Lines and Minimalism: Modern patio designs focus on simplicity with sleek, clean lines and a minimalist approach.
- Neutral Colors: Use a palette of neutral colours such as whites, greys, and blacks, with pops of colour through cushions or decor.
- Innovative Materials: Incorporate materials like concrete, steel, and glass to achieve a contemporary look.
Rustic
Rustic patios feature:
- Natural Elements: Emphasise the use of natural materials such as wood, stone, and brick.
- Earthy Tones: Opt for earthy colour schemes including browns, greens, and soft oranges.
- Cosy and Inviting: Create a warm and inviting atmosphere with the use of weathered wood furniture, soft textiles, and vintage accessories.
Mediterranean
Features of Mediterranean patios include:
- Warm Colors and Textures: Use warm, vibrant colours like terracotta, deep blues, and yellows.
- Tile and Stucco: Incorporate Mediterranean elements such as patterned tiles, stucco walls, and wrought iron accents.
As well as various styles, you will also want to look for ideas on how to create areas and a purpose for your patio.
If you are using it as a dining area, choose a sturdy, weather-resistant dining table and chairs that are comfortable for long meals and gatherings and provide shade with a pergola, umbrella, or awning to make dining more comfortable during sunny days.
Add a fire pit for extra warmth as the sun goes in and temperatures start to drop.
Let Fletchamoore Create Your Dream Patio
With over 60 years of experience designing and laying garden patios, our team are experts at it.
We can help you through the process of creating a space that you are proud of so that you can make the most of the sunshine when you get it.
With a design you are happy with, we will install it quickly and efficiently, minimising disruption to your daily routines.
Call us to discuss your dream resin or tiled patio on 01202 624900 or complete our online contact form, and we will give you a callback.
